Toro Plus Series Satellite Before Programming the Controller…, About the Controller’s Memory…

Before Programming the Controller…

Please note the following important information before programming the Network LTC Plus con- troller for the first time. Although the controller is quite easy to program, it does have some pro- gramming and operating characteristics which will be helpful to know before starting.

•*If power is interrupted to the satellite within one minute of a programming entry, the controller memory will be initialized (erased) when power is restored.

•An audible “beep” tone occurs whenever a control panel key is pressed sufficiently. If the tone is not emitted, the key’s function will not be recognized.

•Programming can only be accomplished in the Central or Stand Alone control modes.

•The and (cursor keys) are used to navigate to the various program elements of the displays. When an element is selected, it begins flashing. Remember, a program element must be flashing

before it can be changed.

•The and (scroll keys) are used to scroll forward or backward through the program element values Holding either of these keys down for more than two consecutive seconds will initiate rapid

scrolling.

ENTER

• The (Enter/Start key) must be pressed to enter a program change into memory.

START

•To exit a programming procedure, press the (function select) key to select the Time/Day mode.

•During programming, the controller will automatically revert to Time/Day mode if a control panel key is not pressed for one minute.

About the Controller’s Memory…

The controller utilizes a special “Super Cap” capacitor which stores enough power to maintain the current time/date and the currently active program information for approximately 30 minutes. The controller will be otherwise inactive during the power outage. In most circumstances, the user-defined program information is unaffected by a loss of power and is stored in memory for several years. (See * above). When power is restored, any automatic programs operating prior to the power failure will resume from the point of interrup- tion. Any manually started programs operating prior to the power failure will be canceled. Any automatic start times originating from the satellite or the central during the power failure will be ignored. In regions with fre- quent power interruptions, an optional lithium battery can be installed which will sustain real time and cur- rently active program information for approximately 90 days of continuous duty. See “Battery Installation” on page 16 for more information.

Set Satellite Operating Mode

Selecting one of three operating modes determines how the satellite will operate.

Central mode enables two-way communication between the satellite and the central controller. The satellite receives all operating commands (including the current time and day) from the central. No additional pro- gramming is required at the satellite. To operate in the Central mode, the satellite only requires an address which enables the central to locate it on the communication path. See “Set Satellite Address” on page 13. Stand Alone mode enables the satellite controller to operate independently from the central. Any data downloaded from the central will be ignored by the satellite while in this mode. However, information regard- ing field status and manual satellite operations will be uploaded to the central. When operating as a stand- alone controller, the Network LTC Plus maintains 16 independent watering programs. Each program is given specific operating information consisting of: Start Times – when and how often the program will start, Active Days – the daily watering routine in either a 14-Day Calendar or 29-Day Interval schedule, and Run Times – the operating duration time of each station assigned to the program. During a program event, stations assigned to the program operate one at a time in numerical sequence.

Off mode terminates and prevents all automatic and manual controller operations.

If programming the satellite for stand-alone operation, we recommend that you first plan out your irrigation schedule using the Program Data Reference Form provided on the back cover. Make photocopies of the form for each program you intend to use. Organizing your program information in this way will provide a complete overview of your automatic irrigation schedule and simplify the programming task. After the forms have been filled in, keep them with the satellite for future reference.

1. Press the key as needed to select the Central, Stand Alone, or Off indicator.

4